The Complete Nissan Leaf Dashboard Warning Lights Guide (2011–2024)

Understanding Nissan Leaf Dashboard Symbols

The Nissan Leaf features a wide array of dashboard symbols designed to alert the driver of system statuses, mechanical issues, and potential safety threats. Below, we present a detailed, owner-friendly guide covering every warning light from 2011 to 2024, across all trims and global variants.

Powertrain and EV System Warning Lights

Master Warning Indicator

This triangular warning symbol appears when a general system fault is detected.
Typical triggers include:

• EV system malfunctions
• Brake control errors
• Sensor failures
• Low fluid levels
• High-voltage component irregularities

A companion warning message usually appears on the instrument panel, guiding further inspection.

EV System Warning

This icon (car and exclamation mark) indicates a significant high-voltage electrical fault.
It can involve:

• Traction motor
• Inverter
• High-voltage wiring
• Battery junction box
• HV relays

Immediate inspection is required to prevent severe power loss.

Check Engine Light

Although the Leaf is fully electric, this icon remains to monitor non-combustion systems.

Common causes:

• Inverter temperature discrepancies
• Poor communication between modules
• Battery management system (BMS) irregularities
• Throttle input sensor issues
• Cooling pump failure

High Motor or Inverter Temperature Warning

This overheating warning appears when thermal limits are exceeded.

Triggers include:

• Heavy acceleration
• Driving uphill
• Faulty coolant pump
• Restricted coolant flow

Allow the vehicle to cool to prevent damage.

Battery, Charging, and High-Voltage Alerts

Low 12V Battery Warning

A critical symbol indicating the auxiliary battery voltage has dropped.
A weak 12V battery can cause:

• Random warnings
• Failure to enter READY mode
• Disabled driver assistance systems

Prompt replacement avoids cascading faults.

EV Battery Temperature Warning

A high-temperature battery icon appears when the high-voltage pack overheats.

Reasons may include:

• Fast charging multiple times
• Hot weather conditions
• High-speed driving
• Restricted thermal management

Low EV Battery Charge

Shows the state-of-charge has reached a critically low level.
If it drops even further, the turtle mode icon may appear, restricting power.

Charging System Warning

This warning indicates a fault with:

Nissan Leaf Battery Upgrade: The Complete Long-Range, Cost-Smart Owner’s Guide

• Charging port latch
• EVSE communication
• Ground fault detection

Charging may fail or stop unexpectedly.

Safety, Chassis, and Mechanical Warnings

ABS Warning Light

If the ABS light illuminates, the anti-lock braking system is disabled.

Possible issues:

• Wheel speed sensor failure
• ABS module fault
• Wiring corrosion

Braking performance may be reduced in emergencies.

Brake System Warning

A red brake icon indicates a critical issue, such as:

• Low brake fluid
• Faulty brake booster
• Parking brake engaged or malfunctioning

This symbol requires immediate attention.

ESC / ESP Indicator

This light activates during traction control operation.
If it stays on continuously, a fault may be present in:

• Wheel speed sensors
• ESC module
• Steering angle sensor

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The yellow horseshoe icon alerts you to:

• Low tire pressure
• Puncture
• TPMS sensor battery failure

Driving with underinflated tires reduces range and accelerates wear.

Driver Assistance and ADAS Indicators

Lane Departure Warning / Lane Keep Assist

This symbol illuminates when lane detection is active.
If flashing, the system may be unable to read road boundaries due to:

• Snow
• Rain
• Poor road markings

Forward Collision Warning / Radar Fault

This icon signals that the front radar system is obstructed or malfunctioning.

Impacted features:

• Emergency braking
• ProPILOT Assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Cruise Control and ProPILOT Assist Indicators

These icons feature combinations of:

• Steering wheel symbols
• Distance bars
• Speedometer graphics

Color meanings:

• White: System ready
• Green: Active
• Flashing: Temporary fault

Lighting System Indicators

Low Beam Symbol

Shows standard headlights are active.

High Beam Symbol

Blue light indicates high beams are on.

Nissan Leaf Battery Upgrade: The Complete Long-Range, Cost-Smart Owner’s Guide

Nissan Leaf Handbrake Release: The Complete Guide for Every Driver

Automatic High Beam Indicator

The “A” icon shows autonomous beam operation.
If blinking, ambient lighting cannot be detected properly.

Fog Light Indicators

Front fog: Green
Rear fog: Amber

Use only in appropriate weather conditions.

General Vehicle Status Indicators

Door, Boot, or Hood Open

Any open-panel icon indicates a closure is not fully latched.
This may also prevent the vehicle from engaging READY mode.

Steering Lock Warning

Indicates:

• Steering column lock engaged
• Immobilizer system failure
• Weak 12V battery

Heated Seats Indicator

Bars represent selected heating intensity, typically 1–3 levels.

Windscreen Heater / Rear Defrost

Wave-line symbols show the heater or defroster is active.
These typically shut off automatically.

Color Meanings of Nissan Leaf Dashboard Warning Lights

Green or Blue Symbols

Functionality indicators — no action needed.
Common examples:

• Headlights active
• ECO mode
• Cruise control ready

Amber or Yellow Symbols

Indicate:

• Non-critical faults
• Systems temporarily disabled
• Sensor inconsistency

Inspection is recommended.

Red or Flashing Red Symbols

Indicate:

• Immediate safety risk
• Serious electrical fault
• Brake system danger
• Battery overheating

Stop driving and seek professional help.

Nissan Leaf Warning Light Reference Table

Final Overview

By understanding each dashboard symbol, Nissan Leaf owners can identify issues early, protect the high-voltage battery, maintain braking performance, and ensure safe use of all driver-assistance features. This full-spectrum guide provides the most complete reference available online for Nissan Leaf warning lights from 2011 to 2024.

FAQs

Why does my Nissan Leaf show the EV System Warning?

It indicates a serious high-voltage component malfunction requiring immediate diagnosis.

What is the turtle warning symbol?

It means your battery is extremely low and power output has been restricted.

Can a weak 12V battery cause multiple warnings?

Yes — failing 12V batteries often trigger random system alerts.

Nissan Leaf Battery Upgrade: The Complete Long-Range, Cost-Smart Owner’s Guide

Nissan Leaf Handbrake Release: The Complete Guide for Every Driver

Nissan Leaf Key Fob Battery: The Complete Guide We All Needed

Why is my radar sensor warning illuminated?

Dirt, snow, rain, or misalignment can disable ADAS features.

Do dashboard symbols differ across Leaf model years?

Some icons vary slightly, but the major EV and safety symbols remain consistent.

If you want to know other articles similar to The Complete Nissan Leaf Dashboard Warning Lights Guide (2011–2024) you can visit the category Service and Parts.